Chapter 8 Terms

Question 1

Auscultation

Answer 1

Listening to sounds within the body, typically through a stethoscope.

Question 2

Blood pressure

Answer 2

The force exerted by blood against the blood vessel walls as it travels throughout the body.

Question 3

Chief complaint

Answer 3

A brief description, usually the patient’s own words, of why emergency medical services personnel were called to the scene.

Question 4

DCAP-BTLS

Answer 4

A mnemonic to help remember the components of a rapid trauma assessment; the initials stand for deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures /penetrations, burns, tenderness, lacerations and swelling.

Question 5

Detailed physical exam

Answer 5

An in-depth head-to-toe physical exam; takes more time than the rapid assessment and is only done when time and the patient’s condition allow.

Question 6

Diastolic blood pressure

Answer 6

The force exerted against the arteries when the heart is between contractions, or at rest.

Question 7

DOTS

Answer 7

A mnemonic to help remember what to look for during a physical exam; the initial stand for deformities, open injuries, tenderness and swelling.

Question 8

Focused medical assessment

Answer 8

A physical medical exam on a medical patient, focused only on the area of the chief complaint, e.g., the chest in a patient complaining of chest pain.

Question 9

Focused trauma assessment

Answer 9

A physical exam on trauma patient, focused only on an isolated area with a known injury such as a hand with an obvious laceration.

Question 10

Ongoing assessment

Answer 10

The process of repeating the primary assessment and physical exam while continually monitoring the patient; performed while awaiting the arrival of more highly trained personnel or while transporting the patient.

Question 11

OPQRST

Answer 11

Mnemonic to help remember the questions used to gain information about the pain; the initials stand for onset, provoke, quality, region/radiate, severity and time.

Question 12

Palpation

Answer 12

Examination performed by feeling part of the body, especially feeling for a pulse.

Question 13

Physical exam

Answer 13

Exam performed after the primary assessment; used to gather additional information and identify signs and symptoms of injury and illness.

Question 14

Pulse oximetry

Answer 14

A test to measure the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood using a pulse oximeter.

Question 15

Rapid medical assessment

Answer 15

A term describing a quick, head-to-toe exam of a medical patient.

Question 16

Rapid trauma assessment

Answer 16

A term describing a quick, head-to-toe exam of a trauma patient.

Question 17

Respiratory rate

Answer 17

The number of breaths per minute; normal rates vary by age and other factors.

Question 18

SAMPLE history

Answer 18

A way to gather important information about the patient, using mnemonic SAMPLE; the initials stand for signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent past medical history, last oral intake and events leading up to the incident.

Question 19

Secondary assessment

Answer 19

A head-to-toe physical exam as well as the focused history; completed following the primary assessment and management of any life-threatening conditions.

Question 20

Sphygmomanometer

Answer 20

A device measuring BP; also called a BP cuff.

Question 21

Stethoscope

Answer 21

A device for listening, especially to the lungs, heart and abdomen; may be used together with a BP cuff to measure BP.

Question 22

Systolic blood pressure

Answer 22

The force exerted against the arteries when the heart is contracting.

Question 23

Vial of life

Answer 23

A community service program that provides emergency medical services personnel and other responders with vital health and medical information (including any advanced medical directives) when a person, who suffers a medical emergency at home, is unable to speak; consists of a label affixed to the outside of the refrigerator to alert responders and a labeled vial or container that has pertinent medical information, a list of medications, health conditions and other pertinent medical information regarding the occupant(s).